Description

The Urine Toxic Metals Test evaluates your exposure to toxic elements commonly found in the environment and measures the effectiveness of any detoxification therapies. This test can help identify high levels of metals in your system that may have accumulated over time and are causing potential harm to your health. Monitoring these metals can provide key insights into your body’s burden and help guide treatment decisions for better health outcomes.

Toxic Metals Included in the Test:

  1. Aluminum
  • Found in household products like cookware, antiperspirants, and food packaging.
  • Associated with cognitive decline and neurodegenerative conditions.
  1. Antimony
  • Present in flame-retardant chemicals and certain plastics.
  • Long-term exposure can lead to lung and heart issues.
  1. Arsenic
  • Commonly found in contaminated water, seafood, and industrial chemicals.
  • Linked to skin, lung, and bladder cancers, as well as cardiovascular problems.
  1. Barium
  • Found in drilling fluids, paints, and certain industrial applications.
  • Can cause muscle weakness, respiratory issues, and high blood pressure.
  1. Beryllium
  • Used in aerospace, electronics, and manufacturing.
  • Chronic exposure can lead to lung damage and increase the risk of lung cancer.
  1. Bismuth
  • Found in some cosmetics and over-the-counter medications.
  • Can cause kidney toxicity with long-term exposure.
  1. Cadmium
  • Present in tobacco smoke, industrial activities, and batteries.
  • Known to cause kidney damage and increase the risk of cancer.
  1. Cesium
  • Found in certain medical treatments and as a byproduct of nuclear activity.
  • Potential to disrupt heart function and increase cancer risk.
  1. Gadolinium
  • Used in MRI contrast agents.
  • Can accumulate in the body and cause health issues, particularly in those with kidney problems.
  1. Lead
  • Common in older paints, contaminated water pipes, and industrial environments.
  • Lead poisoning can cause developmental delays, kidney damage, and cognitive decline.
  1. Mercury
  • Present in certain fish, thermometers, and dental fillings.
  • Neurotoxic and can cause severe kidney and neurological damage.
  1. Nickel
  • Found in industrial settings, jewelry, and metal alloys.
  • Chronic exposure can lead to lung damage, kidney issues, and cancer.
  1. Palladium
  • Used in catalytic converters and jewelry.
  • Long-term exposure may lead to respiratory issues and liver/kidney toxicity.
  1. Platinum
  • Found in catalytic converters and certain cancer treatments.
  • Chronic exposure may result in lung damage and kidney dysfunction.
  1. Tellurium
  • Present in semiconductor manufacturing and solar panels.
  • High levels can cause respiratory and kidney damage.
  1. Thallium
  • Found in insecticides, rodenticides, and industrial processes.
  • Known to cause nerve damage, hair loss, and gastrointestinal distress.
  1. Thorium
  • Used in nuclear applications and energy production.
  • Radioactive properties can increase cancer risk, especially lung cancer.
  1. Tin
  • Found in food cans, electronics, and certain alloys.
  • Prolonged exposure may lead to lung and kidney damage.
  1. Tungsten
  • Found in military and industrial applications like ammunition and electronics.
  • Long-term exposure can lead to lung issues and potential cancer risk.
  1. Uranium
  • Naturally occurring in soil and rock, used in nuclear energy production.
  • A radioactive metal that can damage kidneys and increase cancer risk.

Key Details for Sample Collection:

  • Avoid Fish and Shellfish: Do not eat fish or shellfish for 1 week prior to sample collection as these foods can influence the levels of certain metals in your urine.
  • Discontinue Medications: Stop all non-essential medications and dietary supplements for 48 hours before and during the collection period.
  • Timing After MRI: If you have had an MRI that involved gadolinium-based contrast media, wait at least 96 hours before collecting your sample.
  • Menstruation: Do not collect your sample while menstruating, as this could affect the test results.
  • Shipping: After collecting your sample, ship it via FedEx on the same day (Monday – Friday only). If you are unable to ship your sample the same day, refrigerate it until you can ship it.

Why This Test Matters:

Toxic metals can accumulate in your body from environmental, industrial, or dietary sources, leading to chronic health conditions like kidney damage, neurological disorders, respiratory problems, and cancer. Early detection is essential for reducing the potential harm of these metals, managing exposure, and taking the necessary steps for detoxification. This test can guide you and your healthcare provider in identifying and addressing toxic burden and tailoring your detoxification plan.